Copper alloy

ABSTRACT

An alloy, basically of copper and tin, with the addition of smaller properties of lead, magnesium and zinc provides a high strength, corrosion resistant material having a pleasing color which makes it particularly useful for ornamental structural purposes and jewelry. A particular example has the following composition: copper, 80-85 percent; tin, 10-15 percent; lead 0.20-0.30 percent; magnesium, 1.00-1.25 percent; and zinc, 0.150.25 percent. Smaller amounts of chromium, iron and silicon may also be added.

iliie States Bleeeker, deceased et a1.

[15] 3,655,367 [451 Apr. 11, 1972 1 CQPPER ALLOY [22] Filed: July 15,1970

[21] Appl.No.: 55,294

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,009,977 7/1935 Wilkins ..75/154 2,059,555 11/1936 Corson ..75/154 2,195,435 4/1940 Silliman ..75/154 Primary Examiner-Charles N. Lovell Attorney-Brumbaugh, Graves, Donohue and Raymond [5 7] ABSTRACT An alloy, basically of copper and tin, with the addition of smaller properties of lead, magnesium and zinc provides a high strength, corrosion resistant material having a pleasing color which makes it particularly useful for ornamental structural purposes and jewelry. A particular example has the following composition: copper, 80-85 percent; tin, 10-15 percent; lead 0.20-0.30 percent; magnesium, l.00-l.25 percent; and zinc, 0.15-0.25 percent. Smaller amounts of chromium, iron and silicon may also be added.

2 Claims, N0 Drawings COPPER ALLOY The present invention relates to alloys of copper, and more particularly, those alloys including tin which comprise the family of bronzes.

it has long been known that the bronzes are highly useful alloys, combining strength, machineability and corrosion-resistance with attractive appearance These metals have enjoyed wide usage in ornamental applications where many, if not all of these properties, are employed to advantage.

The present invention is a new form of copper alloy in which substantial proportions of lead, magnesium and zinc are added to the basic copper-tin combination. In addition, small amounts of chromium, iron and silicon may be included in the mixture.

A particular alloy according to the invention has the following composition:

zinc OAS-0.25%

In addition, small amounts (0.01 0.05 percent) of chromium, iron and silicon may be added to the mixture.

The metal having the foregoing composition is characterized by an attractive golden bronze color and exhibits outstanding resistance to oxidation and surface discoloration. These attributes, in combination with the structural qualities of bronze, render the material particularly suitable for use in a wide range of ornamental purposes; from jewelry, as a replacement for the more costly precious metals, to architectural oranmentation where both structural strength and beauty are required.

What is claim:

1. A copper base alloy consisting essentially of copper, 10 15 percent tin, 0.20 0.30 percent lead, 1.00 1.25 percent magnesium and 0.15 0.25% zinc, said alloy exhibiting a golden bronze color and outstanding resistance to oxidation and surface discoloration.

2. The copper alloy of claim 1 above further chromium, iron and silicon, 0.05 percent.

comprising each in the range of from 0.01 

2. The copper alloy of claim 1 above further comprising chromium, iron and silicon, each in the range of from 0.01 - 0.05 percent. 